The Playroom

"We found the staff of the playroom to be incredibly helpful, and our visits to the playroom were the high points of our stay."--A grateful family

The playroom at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital offers children relief from the hectic pace of the hospital environment. Within this sanctuary, toddlers can crawl and explore freely, patients and their siblings can express themselves through play and art activities, and families can relax and find support in one another.

The playroom is a "safe" zone where no medical procedures are performed. The bright, colorful room is filled with toys for all ages, games, art supplies, and much more. A dedicated infant-toddler space offers a soft, carpeted area for little ones to explore and stimulate their senses. Rocking chairs provide a quiet, intimate place for parents to hold their babies. Older kids can enjoy the run of the playroom, which includes a kitchen area, dollhouse, costume wardrobe, and play "hospital equipment." A 60-inch large-screen TV provides video entertainment, including kids' favorite movies and shows.

If a child is too ill to come to the playroom for activities, a child life specialist or volunteer will bring toys, games, and other items to the child's bedside. Also, broadcasts for medical bingo and many of the playroom programs occur live on the GetWell Network.